No Longer Following Empty Things
Today’s Verse:
1 Samuel 12:21 ESV
And do not turn aside after empty things that cannot profit or deliver, for they are empty.
As our week begins and then ends with Independence Day on Friday, our scripture for this Monday’s reflection comes from 1st Samuel 12:21, where Samuel, having called Israel to repentance, warns them:
"And do not turn aside after empty things that cannot profit or deliver, for they are empty."
What a powerful and relevant warning for us today! In our modern world, we are constantly bombarded with "empty things." These aren't necessarily evil in themselves, but they are things that promise much— whether it be happiness, security, or fulfillment—yet ultimately deliver very little. They are empty because they lack the life-giving power and truth that only God can provide.
Think about the distractions that pull us away from God. Perhaps it’s the relentless pursuit of more wealth, a never-ending quest for approval on social media, an obsession with worldly success, or even just the constant noise of entertainment that keeps us from quiet reflection and prayer. These things, while not inherently sinful, become empty idols when we give them the place in our hearts that rightfully belongs to God. They cannot truly profit us, for they cannot offer forgiveness, eternal life, or genuine peace. They certainly cannot deliver us from sin or death.
Samuel’s warning reminds us of the stark contrast between God and all other things. God alone is full of grace, truth, and power. He is the one who profits us eternally, delivering us from our sin and providing true rest for our weary souls. When we chase after empty things, we are not merely wasting our time; we are turning away from the source of all life and meaning.
As we prepare to step into a new week, let us take this verse to heart. Let us examine our lives and ask ourselves: What "empty things" might I be pursuing? What distractions are keeping my eyes from being fixed on Christ?
This week, let us intentionally turn away from those things that cannot profit or deliver. Let us turn towards the Lord, who is never empty but always overflowing with love, mercy, and faithfulness. Let us seek His presence in prayer, in His Word, and in fellowship with other believers. For in Him alone do we find true purpose, lasting joy, and the deliverance we so desperately need.
Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Gracious God, we thank You for Your Word which guides and corrects us. Forgive us for the times we have chased after empty things and allowed them to distract us from You. Open our eyes, we pray, to see the futility of worldly pursuits and the incomparable value of Your presence in our lives. As we begin this new week, strengthen us by Your Holy Spirit to turn away from all that is empty and to fix our hearts and minds on You, our only true profit and deliverer. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.